Our History
Discover Fukujuen's rich history in our timeline, tracing over two centuries of Japanese tea tradition from 1790 to today's innovations.
New History
Fukujuen's history is deeply rooted in the rich heritage of Japanese tea. Established in the year Kansei 2 (1790) by Iyemon Fukui, Fukujuen started as a tea merchant in Kamikoma, Yamashiro Province (present-day Yamashiro-cho, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture). Situated at a strategic location, it served as a hub for trade between Osaka, Kobe, and the Yamato and Iga highways.
1900's ~ 1945
As the tea industry evolved, Fukujuen shifted its focus to domestic sales, supplying a wide range of tea to tea shops across the country, including private individuals and government agencies. To cater to customers directly using the postal parcel system that had just started at the time, Fukujuen pioneered mail-order sales of Ujicha, delivering it to their doorsteps.
May, 1924
Published the first issue of "Fukujuen Tea News," a PR paper conveying Ujicha information.
December, 1949
Fukujuen transitioned from a sole proprietorship to a corporate organization under the leadership of Masami Fukui, the sixth-generation owner. This transformation marked a significant milestone in Fukujuen's journey.
October, 1952
Fukujuen opened its first direct store at Kyoto Station, with the desire to have people taste pure Ujicha. This initiative paved the way for the establishment of numerous direct stores and outlets throughout Japan, including department stores. Fukujuen became renowned for its manufacturing and direct sales of Ujicha.
July, 1956
To preserve the quality of tea, Fukujuen constructed a dry cooling refrigerator ahead of the industry. This innovation ensured the freshness and integrity of the tea leaves.
March, 1960
Fukujuen constructed a new headquarters building and a state-of-the-art Sencha and Matcha factory, further solidifying its commitment to producing high-quality tea.
December, 1964
Following the passing of President Masami Fukui, Masanori Fukui assumed the presidency, leading Fukujuen through a transformative era in tea distribution.
October, 1967
Fukujuen expanded its production capacity with the addition of new factories equipped with advanced packaging, blending, sorting, and drying facilities. This comprehensive mass production system ensured efficient tea processing.
April, 1970
Fukujuen embraced automation and labor-saving measures by establishing a new factory that incorporated cutting-edge technologies from tea processing to packaging. The introduction of a chemical laboratory and expanded storage capacity enhanced Fukujuen's commitment to quality control and efficiency.
May, 1974
Fukujuen completed the construction of a three-dimensional factory. This facility featured a fully automated refrigerated warehouse, comprehensive tea processing capabilities, and high-speed automatic packaging machines. Fukujuen embraced computerized system management, enabling significant labor savings, cost reduction, and meticulous quality control.
1977
Fukujuen opened the "Fukujuen Archives" to safeguard the cultural heritage of Ujicha, including hand-rolled tea.
September, 1980
Fukujuen established "Ujinotsuyu Seicha Co., Ltd." This subsidiary aimed to deliver tea to mass retailers and supermarkets throughout Japan and overseas, catering to the increasing demand for convenient and high-quality tea products.
July, 1983
Fukujuen became the first in the world to release canned drinks containing Japanese tea.
October, 1987
Fukujuen opened the "Ujinotsuyu Yamashiro Center," equipped to meet nationwide logistics needs.
October, 1988
Fukujuen expanded its production capacity by enhancing the teabag factory.
March, 1990
Masafumi Fukui was appointed as chairman and Masanori Fukui was appointed as president.
April, 1990
Fukujuen established the "Fukujuen CHA Research Center" in the Kansai Science City. This center focused on studying tea Culture, Health, and Amenity, hence the name CHA, which also means tea in Japanese.
August, 2001
Expanding its global presence, Fukujuen opened its first overseas store, "Fukujuen Singapore."
March, 2004
Fukujuen launched the collaboration brand "IYEMON," introducing a new line of exceptional tea products.
February, 2007
To further advance tea research and development, Fukujuen completed the expansion construction of the Fukujuen CHA Research Center Annex.
August, 2007
Fukujuen embraced experiential tea making by opening the "Fukujuen Uji Kobo." A facility that allowed visitors to engage in the tea-making process firsthand.
December, 2007
Demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility, Fukujuen headquarters and Yamashiro factory obtained ISO 14001 certification , the international standard for the environment.
June, 2008
Fukujuen's Yamashiro factory received ISO 22000 certification, the international standard for food safety.
September, 2008
Fukujuen unveiled the "Fukujuen Kyoto Flagship Store" at the intersection of Shijo-dori and Tomikoji-dori in Kyoto City. This store beautifully intertwined Kyoto's imperial court culture with Ujicha culture.
September, 2010
A store for confectionery using tea, Fukujuen launched the "Fukujuen Ujicha Kashi Kobo" in Uji City.
April, 2012
To cater to tea lovers seeking convenience, Fukujuen established the "Fukujuen Yamashiro Higashi Teabag Factory" for the production of high-quality teabags.
May, 2013
Masafumi Fukui was appointed as Honorary Chairman, Masanori Fukui as Chairman, and Masaoki Fukui as President.
March, 2014
Fukujuen introduced the "Fukujuen Uji Kissakan" in Uji City, offering a welcoming space for people to savor Ujicha easily.
In the same year, Fukujuen expanded the Fukujuen CHA Research Center and introduced the "Fukujuen CHA Experience Park" to promote tea culture and education.
April, 2015
Fukujuen's Yamashiro factory and Yamashiro Higashi factory received FSSC 22000 certification, reaffirming the company's commitment to food safety.
October, 2017
Highlighting the historical significance of tea in Yamashiro, Fukujuen opened the "Fukujuen Tea Wholesaler Street" in Kizugawa City. This facility showcases the traditional craftsmanship and charm of Ujicha.
April, 2019
Fukujuen opened a tea proposal store called "Saryo FUKUCHA" to cater to the next generation.
September, 2019
Fukujuen's Ujicha Workshop in Uji City underwent a renovation and introduced the Gyokuro-tei and Experience Tea Room, offering a rejuvenated experience.
November, 2021
Fukujuen established a commemorative tea garden in honor of the seventh-generation owner of Fukujuen, who dedicated a lifetime to the promotion of tea.